Cheese Fondue Dessert Pairing: Sweet Endings For Savory Delights

Cheese fondue is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. While it is traditionally served with bread, there are many other foods that can be served with cheese fondue, including fruits, vegetables, and meats. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cheese fondue:

- Bread: French bread, sourdough, bagels, pretzels, crackers, tortilla chips, and croutons are all great options.

- Fruits: Apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, and apricots are some of the fruits that pair well with cheese fondue.

- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans are just a few of the vegetables that can be served with cheese fondue.

- Meats: Chicken, steak, sausage, shrimp, and ham are some of the proteins that can be added to the dish.

Bread: French bread, sourdough, bagels, pretzels, tortilla chips, crackers, etc

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. It is the best at soaking up the cheese's creamy goodness. The most classic choice is French bread, but there are many other options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• French bread cubes or baguette
• Sourdough
• Bagels
• Pretzels
• Tortilla chips
• Crackers
• Croutons
• Breadsticks
• Pasta
• Potato chips

No matter which type of bread you choose, make sure to lightly toast it, especially bread that may fall apart in the cheese, and then cut it into large cubes.

Fruit: Apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricots, peaches, oranges, etc

Fruit is a great dessert option to serve with cheese fondue. Fruits that pair well with cheese fondue include apples, pears, pineapple, grapes, apricots, peaches, and oranges.

Apples are a particularly popular choice, as the crunchy, crisp tartness of the apple is a perfect match when paired with melted cheese. Sliced Granny Smith apples are a great option, as their crispness and tartness complement the creaminess of the fondue nicely.

Pears also work well, as their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many fondues.

Other fruits that can be served with cheese fondue include pineapple, grapes, apricots, peaches, and oranges. These fruits can be served raw or whole, allowing guests to spear and dip them as they please.

Fruits are a surprising yet delightful choice for dessert when served with cheese fondue, offering a refreshing and healthy end to the meal.

Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, potatoes, pickles, mushrooms, carrots, etc

Vegetables are a fantastic choice to serve alongside cheese fondue, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Broccoli, for instance, is a great way to add a bit of freshness and nutrition to your meal. You can serve it raw or steamed, depending on your preference.

Bell peppers are another excellent option, as they add a pop of colour and a natural sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savoury cheesiness of the fondue. Slice them into long strips, and you won't even need skewers for dipping!

Potatoes are also a popular choice, as they provide the same gooey, savoury, rich combination as cheese fries. You can get creative here and make homemade French fries, roasted or baked potatoes, or even potato chips. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own tortilla chips and dipping them into the fondue for some homemade nachos.

Pickles might seem like an unusual choice, but they are a surprisingly tasty addition to the fondue spread. From tiny cornichons to sliced dill pickles, the tangy-sour bites complement the thick and creamy cheese fondue perfectly.

Lastly, mushrooms are a delicious and versatile option for your vegetable fondue spread. You can sauté, grill, or roast them, or even serve them raw if you're short on time. Their earthy flavour and meaty texture make them a satisfying and elegant choice for your fondue party.

Meat: Chicken, steak, meatballs, shrimp, ham, salami, sausage, etc

When it comes to serving meat alongside cheese fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Chicken

Poached chicken is an excellent blank canvas for your cheese fondue. You can add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour and dip the pieces into the fondue. Chicken is a versatile option that can be cooked in a variety of ways to complement the cheese fondue.

Steak

Steak strips or bites can be dipped into the gooey cheese fondue, creating a cheesesteak combination. Adding a piece of bread can turn these into mini cheesesteak sliders. Steak is a hearty option that can be cooked to your desired doneness and paired well with the melted cheese.

Meatballs

Meatballs, whether made from beef, chicken, veal, or vegetarian options, are a surprisingly tasty addition to cheese fondue. They are exceptionally delicious after a quick dip in the melty, magical cheese. Meatballs are versatile and can be customised to your liking, making them a fun option for fondue.

Shrimp

Shrimp, especially when grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried with a bit of minced garlic and chopped parsley, pairs nicely with a bold cheese fondue made with brandy or white wine. Shrimp is a light and delicate option that can add a touch of elegance to your fondue experience.

Salami, Ham, and Sausage

Cured meats like salami, ham, and sausage go well with cheese fondue. Salami, in particular, loves to get scrunched up on a fondue skewer and take a quick trip to cheese town. These meats provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour to the melted cheese.

Other Meats

Other meat options that can be considered include crab, lobster, and turkey. These choices can add variety to your fondue and allow your guests to experiment with different flavour combinations. Remember to cook the meats thoroughly before dipping them into the fondue.

Seafood: Crab, lobster, grilled shrimp, etc

Seafood, like crab, lobster, and grilled shrimp, has a salty and briny flavour profile. This means you can be adventurous with your dessert choices! If you're looking for something light and simple, or extra-rich and decadent, there are plenty of options to serve alongside a cheese fondue.

For a light dessert, sorbet is a great choice. It's refreshing and won't overpower the rich seafood. Raspberry sorbet is an easy-to-make option that will be ready in just 30 minutes. You could also serve fresh fruit, like local strawberries, or create a cornucopia of sliced fruits spilling from a scooped-out melon. Fruit tarts are another option that combines the sweetness of fruit with the decadence of dessert.

If you want to serve something a little more indulgent, but still not too heavy, a fruit pie could be a good choice. Key lime pie is a great option to serve with seafood, as the lime will add a bright, tangy flavour to your dessert. For something a little more traditional, you could serve apple pie or blueberry pie, which is a summer staple.

If you're looking for something rich and decadent, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Chocolate chip cookies are a classic choice and pair well with seafood. For something even richer, you could serve chocolate brownies or a chocolate lava cake. If you want to stick with the fruit theme, a strawberry shortcake is a great option. It combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the decadence of cake and whipped cream.

If you're looking for a dessert that's a little more unique, you could try serving a tequila-lime-coconut macaroon. The citrus flavours will help to cleanse the palate after a rich seafood meal. Or, if you're feeling extra indulgent, why not try a cheesecake? It's a rich and creamy option that's sure to impress your guests.

So, whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or rich and decadent, there are plenty of dessert options to serve with your cheese fondue and seafood feast.

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